Broken Dreams and Fixed Hopes (Thalia-Centric)

Thalia's POV, the second last chapter of the Titan's Curse, on Olympus

Flying up to Zeus' palace with thunder and lightning swirling around us was the best experience I'd yet to have. The wind was rustling through my hair and buffeting my clothes. If I could've, I would've stuck my arms straight out, but that would mean falling down a million stories. As silly as it was, I was still afraid of heights. Looking down wasn't easy.

I closed my eyes and the Pegasus I was on plummeted, landing on the Olympus courtyard. Music was drifting through the air and torches lit the courtyard up in many different colours, and as impressive as it was, it still didn't faze me. We were here for one thing and one thing only. Apparently, the gods knew that too – the minute we touched down the giant golden gates opened by themselves.

Percy shared a small exchange with his Pegasus Blackjack, one that I wished I could've heard (I swear, when Percy talks to horses it's like your multicultural friends talking in a different language right in front of you) and Annabeth gladly dismounted her Pegasus, standing beside me. Percy quickly joined us. For a moment, it was all any of us could do. I didn't want to walk into Olympus because I had a strange feeling nothing would be the same.

Without a choice, we walked side by side into the throne room.

We came into a huge room with twelve glittering thrones making a U around the hearth in the center. I saw, on the ceiling, Zoë the Huntress making her way among the constellations. A pang of sadness tore at my heart but I shoved it aside. I couldn't afford to appear weak.

"Welcome, heroes," Artemis said, but I couldn't look her right in the eyes. Whenever I did that I was reminded of everything that had happened, of the night where Zoë died, of her stupid Hunters that couldn't save Annabeth.

"Moo!"

I don't think an eye went anywhere else than the large tank of water that was hovering in the center of the room. Bessie (that's Percy's name for it. Don't ask me) was swimming around in it, content and happy. Grover was kneeling respectfully by Zeus' throne. He turned around quickly and saw us. "You made it!"

He began to run towards us, to Percy, but then turned around as if asking for Zeus' permission. "Go on," the lord of the sky said, waving him away, but he wasn't paying attention. His eyes were wired onto me, and I found myself unable to look at him, my father or not.

Grover gave me and Annabeth a long, furry hug before saying to Percy, "Bessie and I made it, but you have to convince them! They can't do it!"

"Do what?" Percy replied, his eyebrows furrowing.

"Heroes," Artemis called testily. She dismounted her throne and changed into human form, something I found exceedingly creepy. She walked towards us emotionlessly. "The Council has been informed of your deeds. They know that Mount Othrys is rising. The know of Atlas' actions. We have voted to act."

Some of the gods began pursing their lips, muttering and mumbling under their breath, like they weren't happy with the decision, but stayed silent. Artemis began listing off several actions that the gods would take, like hunting down monsters and checking on Titan's prisons, and to try to destroy the Princess Andromeda, but something told me it wouldn't be enough. She turned back to the council. "These half-bloods have done a great service. Would any here deny that?"

Nobody moved, but as soon as Apollo began reciting a poem, Hermes jumped in. "Um, yes, first class," he said quickly, over Apollo, "All in favour of not disintegrating them?"

To my chagrin, only two hands went up at first.

"Wait," Ares growled. "They're dangerous. It'd be much safer."

"Ares," Poseidon said, cutting him off, "we will not blast my son to bits." Percy began to study the floor in embarrassment.

"Nor my daughter," Zeus said, looking at me. "She has done well." Suddenly, I understood what Percy found so interesting about the floor.

"I'm proud of Annabeth as well," Athena said. "But there is a threat with the other two."

"Mother!" Annabeth protested. "How can you –"

Athena raised her hand. "I am sorry that Poseidon and Zeus could not keep their word. We are now presented with children of the Big Three, and they could be dangerous. Somehow, Ares has a point."

The gods began arguing (as they always do) about whether or not to kill us. Suddenly, Artemis yelled out, "I will not have them destroyed!"

"Calm down," Apollo said. "Jeez, sis, lighten up."

"Don't call me sis! I will reward them, not destroy them."

"Perhaps," Zeus said calmly, "but the monster must be destroyed. This vote must be unanimous."

All of the gods began nodding their heads. I didn't know what they meant, but destroying a monster sounded like a good plan to me. That is, until Percy blurted, "You can't destroy Bessie!"

Poseidon turned his head in confusion. "Bessie? You have named the Ophiotaurus Bessie?"

Percy nodded. "Bessie is…innocent. You can't kill her. Just…keep her or something, I don't know!"

"Perseus," Poseidon said gravely, "I admire your love for the creatures of the sea, child, but the act of sacrificing the Ophiotaurus' entrails will grant you or anyone else unlimited power. We must destroy the monster before Kronos can use this to his advantage." He looked pointedly at me, and I blushed in shame, remembering the encounter on the pier and how I had been so tempted to join the wrong side.

"Yes, but you can keep him safe, can't you?" Percy said, and I admit, at that moment I tuned out. I wasn't interested in the Ophiotaurus (sorry Percy). I was turning sixteen tomorrow, and as the moment drew nearer I felt myself grow more and more terrified. Tomorrow, if I lived, I would either cause the downfall or rise of Olympus. I didn't want that kind of power. Who would? I was worried this choice, whatever it may be, would consume me.

So in the end the gods accepted the idea of not killing Bessie, which I was fine with. After a long grumbling session by the powerful deities, Artemis spoke up yet again. "Now, I wish to reward these heroes."

Oh, great. Got something that can make the prophecy not happen?

"As you know, Zoë, the leader of the Hunt, has joined the stars. I need a new leader of the Hunt," she said, "And I intend to choose one."

I will admit that I was thrilled by the idea. What if she chose me? I would never age. I would never turn sixteen! This was a way out. Percy would have to deal with the prophecy in his own time, unless he died, which would push the deadline back several years, if not decades.

I looked over at Percy, who was engaged with Annabeth in what looked like a whisper contest. Annabeth was shaking her head almost sadly, and Percy looked like he was begging her to do something. Or…not to do something.

Artemis gazed at us, and then said finally, "Annabeth Chase, will you join the Hunt?"

Silence filled the room. Stunned, I glanced over at Annabeth to see her expression filled with pain and sadness. Percy's eyes were pleading with her silently. I knew they loved each other. If Annabeth accepted, she would never be allowed to be with him.

"I…," Annabeth stuttered, unsure of how to form the words. She looked at her mother, Athena, and the two seemed to share a mental conversation. Annabeth sucked in a breath and blurted, "I accept."

Percy stumbled back a bit, shocked. My mouth snapped open and I stood there, gaping dumbly. What was she saying? She wanted to accept the offer and join the Hunt? Part of me, I'll admit, was jealous. Why should she get that opportunity?

Most of the gods were smiling, Athena most of all. If I knew the goddess of wisdom at all, this was scripted. She had a plan. I just had to figure out what it was.

While my thoughts were still swirling around in my head, Annabeth kneeled by Artemis and shakily took the vow of a Hunter. She renounced men. That was all I could think. Annabeth has renounced men!

"That is all that needs to be discussed," Athena said, clapping her hands. "Do you not think so, Lord Zeus?"

"No, that is all," he said, nodding.

Tears were streaming down Percy's face, all sense of being calm and collected forgotten. "No," he whispered. "No, that's not all."

Every eye in the room turned to stare at him. "Percy –," Annabeth began, but Percy raised his hand to silence her.

"I can't do this," he said, his voice shaking. "If Annabeth's gone, I can't do this. Blast me. It would save you a lot of trouble. Just do it."

"Percy, do you realize what you're saying?" I yelled incredulously. "You'll die!"

"I know," he whispered. "But it's fine. I have nothing now. If you kill me, I can't be the receiver of the prophecy. Sorry, Thalia, but if you die then we'll have more time. It makes sense!"

Annabeth opened her mouth to say something but changed her mind and looked away, trying to hide her tears. I felt like I should be crying, or at least I should've done something, but I was too stunned to even move. "It does make sense," Athena jumped in. "The boy, surprisingly, has a point. Shall I take the honour?"

"I suppose," Zeus said, scratching his chin like he couldn't believe it was happening.

"No!" Poseidon's roar shook the whole building and I felt the strange need to kneel and bow and give myself to him. No, not in that way. Don't get so sick minded. "I am not blasting my son. Perseus, child, don't you realize what you're asking of us? This isn't something you can go back on."

Percy nodded gravely. "I know, Father."

"I will not do it," Poseidon said. "I will not, and none of you will, either. Perseus, you are in shock. You don't understand."

"I do!" Percy yelled, and then he composed himself. "Fine. Whatever. It doesn't matter. I'm sorry I interrupted everything."

Poseidon nodded, relaxing in his throne. "There is nothing else," Zeus announced. "Heroes, you may stay on Olympus until you are rested enough to leave. The doors are open. Ms. Chase, you may accompany Artemis."

Artemis stood, offering a hand to Annabeth. "Wait," Annabeth said, "Can I say goodbye to Thalia?" Artemis nodded, giving her five minutes. Annabeth bolted over to me, wrapping her arms around my waist in a huge hug. I could hear her sobs against my chest.

"Annabeth," I mumbled. "Why did you do it?"

She raised her hand and stared at me, her eyes full of pain. "I…I had to."

"No!" I exclaimed. "No, you didn't."

She leaned over and hugged me again, but this time whispered in my ear, "My mother made me do it."

"What?" I whispered back. "Why?"

"She wanted me away from Percy," was her choked reply. "She said if I didn't, she'd kill him herself."

"She almost did anyway," I said, and drew out of the hug. "I don't know what you've gotten yourself into, Annie girl, but it's gonna be a long time before you get out."

She gazed at me for one final moment before leaving my side and taking Artemis' hand. They walked together out of the throne room and into the night. "I…I need to go," Percy stammered and he left the throne room. So I was left alone, surrounded by twelve grim-looking gods. They knew I was the going to receive the prophecy, and they weren't happy about it.

"Thank you for your hospitality," I said, bowing slightly, "But I really have to go, too. Thank you." As fast as I could, I scurried out of the throne room and into the courtyard where Percy was. Behind me, I heard Athena begging Zeus to let her blast me. Thanks, sis. (Yep. Believe it or not, Athena was actually my half-sister. Which makes Annabeth my niece, and Percy my cousin. It's weird.)

Percy was standing on the edge of the courtyard, looking straight down at Manhattan, about 600 stories below us. It looked a little dangerous to me, but I let it slide. "Hey, Percy," I said. "Are you ready to leave? We can go back to Camp Half-Blood now."

"But it won't be with her," he said. "That's…I can't do that."

"I know it hurts now –"

"No!" Percy yelled. "No, you don't know how it hurts. I was a pine tree for years, Thalia! And when I woke up, Annabeth was the one who kept me grounded. Nobody else. Just Annabeth. And then, when Luke tried to kill me, she saved my life. The thought of her saved my life."

"Snap out of it, Percy!" I yelled, tired of him feeling sorry for himself. "Don't you think I have problems, too? I'm facing a prophecy tomorrow! I'm sad about Annabeth too, but I'm not crying because I know she'll be fine! You should be happy, she'll never have another boyfriend." After I said it I realized it was a lame point, but it was too late to take it back.

"It's not about that," he said quietly, "Which is why I didn't think you'd understand."

"Understand what?" I asked, flummoxed.

"I'm sorry, Thalia," he whispered. "Good luck with the prophecy."

Before I could say another word, Perseus Jackson pitched himself off Mount Olympus and fell to the city below. I screamed, running to the edge and looking over. I could just barely see him plummeting, his arms spread wide open, his eyes wide open.

"Blackjack!" I yelled. "Come on, we have to save him!"

I jumped onto Blackjack's pack, and had Guido and Porkpie follow us as we dived down to rescue Percy. This time, my fear of heights didn't matter. "Father!" I yelled as we plummeted, "Help him! Please, Father!"

I closed my eyes because I knew Blackjack would save him. Percy would be okay. Percy would be just fine. He wouldn't die. He wouldn't hit the bottom.

And then I heard a crack.

Blackjack touched down gently on the sidewalk, ignoring pedestrians who were screaming their lungs out. "Call 911!" they were all yelling. Didn't they know that wouldn't do any good?

I stared numbly at the body. It was getting obscured by the growing crowd, but I still saw it in my head. His legs were bent at an awkward angle, his arms both broken, his hair a mess, his sea green eyes dead, his mouth open, calling a name that would never answer.

Numbly, I found myself using the Mist to push the mortals out of the way and picked up the body, laying it on Guido's back. Nothing mattered. He was dead. I boarded Blackjack and we flew to Camp Half-Blood.

As we touched down, we were greeted by mobs of campers, all eager to see us, but they were only greeted with me and a body. Everything happened in a blur and I found myself unable to speak. Someone led me to the Big House and I sat there, emotionless.

Because I was the receiver of the prophecy.

And Perseus Jackson was dead.

Annabeth's POV, the same evening, the Hunter's Camp

"I'm very sorry, Annabeth, but Percy is dead."

I shook my head. "No. No, you're tricking me."

Artemis sighed. "You renounced boys, you should not care."

"I loved him!" I yelled. "I have renounced other boys. Him, I shall never forget. And you're lying to me. He's not dead."

"Just after we left Olympus, he jumped off the building. I would not lie to my Huntress," Artemis said sternly.

And then, it just occurred to me. There was nothing left. Percy was dead. Thalia was probably going to die. Luke was gone. I had nothing, nobody.

So later that night, I walked into the lake beside our camp. The cool water brushed against my legs and it reminded me of Percy. I imagined myself with him, holding his hand, standing by his side, and I plunged my head under the water.

Even as my lungs screamed for air, I didn't come up to breathe. I thought of him, of being with him, and I stayed under until I passed out, knowing I wouldn't wake up again.

Even if I was immortal, and I didn't die, I would stay under the lake forever just to feel closer to him.

But in my heart, I never renounced boys. Artemis never truly accepted my pledge. I wasn't immortal at all.

And as the churning waters calmed, so did I.